In an intimate orphanage in Ethiopia, hundreds of abandoned babies have been adopted into loving, Christian Ethiopian families. The dedication of the team working in this orphanage is nothing short of remarkable. Adoption in Ethiopia is counter-cultural, but NewLife Ethiopia has tirelessly worked with the Ethiopian Church over the past ten years to realign their cultural perception of adoption with God’s Word. God’s heart for children without families has taken root in the Ethiopian Church community, and Joy Casey, Founder and Director of NewLife, elatedly reports that all the babies and toddlers in NewLife’s Mana Gammachuu orphanage are successfully integrated into forever
Ethiopian Christian homes.
When Kubsa was brought to Mana Gammachuu (Joyful Place), he was skin and bone—so lethargic that the staff feared he might need to be hospitalized. His ribs were visible, and his condition was critical. But thanks to nutrient-dense preemie formula from the U.S., far superior to anything available in Ethiopia, Kubsa didn’t just survive—he thrived!
Joy had the chance to spend time with him during one of her visits to Ethiopia. “These once starving babies were so responsive,” she recalled, “they were ‘talking back’ and laughing aloud at my silly way of speaking to them. I also prayed for them, asking God to provide the perfect family for each one. The promise from Jeremiah came to mind: ‘I know the plans I have for you. Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”
In less than a year, Kubsa found his forever family! He was given a new name, Samuel. He’s just one of the many miracles that unfold at the Joyful Place orphanage month after month. An abandoned baby left outside was rescued, nurtured, and now has a home filled with love.
His new parents attend a church that actively supports adoption. In fact, several children from Joyful Place have found homes within this church community. Dinka and Genet, Samuel’s adoptive parents, were encouraged by their three daughters who had been begging for a baby brother.
At first, Genet was hesitant, but after praying together, they knew this was the right thing to do. When the day came to bring Samuel home, his 10-year-old sister, Amen, was deeply moved by the sight of the other babies left behind. She prayed fervently for all the children to be adopted and expressed her gratitude to the staff for the incredible work they do.
Kubsa, now Samuel, with his family! Dinke, Abigel (8), Ruth (13), Amen (10) and Genet
Caio! (as they say in Ethiopia),
HP Missions Strategy Team
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